POSITION SUMMARY:
Under
the direction of the Instructional Supervisor, the Instructional Specialist – Behavioral Supports provides consultation and guidance
regarding student behavior issues. The incumbent of this position
collects, organizes, and analyzes data that assists with completing Functional
Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and developing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
for students with disabilities.
DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Provides
technical support and assistance in the collection of behavior data to complete
FBAs and monitors and measures the effectiveness of BIPs;
Assists
teachers in the identification and development of individualized behavior
interventions intended to change target behaviors using evidenced based
strategies;
Assists
school-based staff in defining and measuring behavior, understanding principles
of reinforcement, teaching new behavior, implementing strategies for weakening
behavior, and identifying antecedents;
Provides
and models behavior interventions, strategies and techniques for school-based
staff;
Provides
crisis intervention support to students as part of central office response
teams;
Conducts
student and staff observations to ensure that data is being collected and
tracked with fidelity;
Conducts
formal and information educator observations;
Provides
training in data collection to include gathering baseline data, progress data
and post data to measure the effectiveness of behavior interventions and
strategies;
Provides
training in the use of positive behavior supports, interventions and Applied
Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques, as well as evidenced-based strategies and
techniques to school based and district staff;
Develops
meaningful data collection systems to measure progress of students with BIPs
and assists with developing visual representations of data;
Meets and
collaborates with various administrative teams and Individualized Education
Program (IEP) teams regarding the behavioral needs of students receiving
special education services as it relates to the IEP development process;
Collaborates
with other service providers including School Psychologists, Social Workers,
Professional School Counselors and external Mental Health Providers to ensure
the consistency of the implementation of behavior intervention plans;
Assists
with conducting Functional Behavior Assessments;
Assists
with planning and coordinating cross-functional opportunities for professional
learning;
Serves as
a liaison between the Department of Special Education and other key PGCPS
departments and offices; and
Performs
other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Thorough
knowledge and understanding of federal and state regulations and policies
governing students with disabilities;
Thorough
knowledge of applied behavior analysis, behavior strategies, analyzation of
data techniques and data collection methods;
Demonstrates
knowledge and expertise regarding the band of Tier 1, 2 & 3 interventions
in a variety of settings, utilizing specific evidenced based principles and
applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques;
Experience
with completing FBAs and developing BIPs for students with disabilities;
Knowledge
of technology tools used in the collection of behavior data;
Demonstrated
competence in developing and leading professional learning opportunities for
teachers, paraprofessionals, related services providers, principals,
administrators and parents; and
Excellent
oral and written communication skills, as well as effective human relations and
interpersonal skills.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in education,
special education, social work, psychology, counseling or related services
field required. A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience working
with students with disabilities and the implementation of Behavior Intervention
Plans (BIPs).
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Maryland Professional Certificate with Administrator I
endorsement required. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification
required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
No direct supervisory responsibilities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
None.